Forces responsible for retention of soil water are:

Correct option is B

✅ (b) Adhesion: • Adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and soil particles. • This force allows water to "stick" to the surface of soil particles and helps in water retention in the soil pores. • Essential for the formation of thin water films around soil particles, especially in micropores.
❌ (a) Cohesion: • Refers to the attraction between water molecules themselves. • Important for water movement (e.g., capillary action), but not primarily for retention.
❌ (c) Cohesion and Adhesion both: • Both are involved in soil moisture dynamics, but adhesion specifically is more crucial in retaining water within the soil matrix.
❌ (d) None of these: • Incorrect as adhesion is a key force in water retention.